A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace has said that The Royal Family are “delighted” at the news that Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, is pregnant with her second child.

A spokesman said: “The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and members of the Royal Family are delighted with the news.”

The news of Zara’s pregnancy was announced on Wednesday morning. A spokesperson for Zara and Mike Tindall added that the couple are “thrilled” by the news.

The new baby, which is expected to be born in the Spring of 2017, will be 18th-in-line to the throne and The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s sixth great-grandchild.

This will also be a fourth grandchild for Princess Anne, following Isla & Savanah Phillips and the Tindall’s firstborn, Mia.

In a tweet, Mike Tindall said: “Just a quick one to say thank you for the messages. We are very very happy about the little one on its way. 2017 is already starting well!!”

Mia, who will soon be an older sister, was born in January 2014 and is now nearly three years old.

Zara, who married Mike in July 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, admitted Mia came earlier than they initially planned.

“It probably happened quicker than we thought – bit of a shock, really.”

The couple’s second child will become a second cousin to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Mrs Tindall, who is a professional equestrianism competitor, last competed at the end of October. She will not start riding again professionally until after the baby is born which is expected to coincide with the start of the season.

A spokesperson has said that there are “no plans” for her retire from riding. This means it is more than likely Mrs Tindall will still be competing in competitions after she has given birth.